Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
We refer to the element of fire as the force of Spirit. This means that through the fiery triplicity, the primal forces of creative expression are manifested. Fire is the desire for life, the will to be, and, especially in the case of Aries, the act of individualizing the self from the rest of Mankind. It is the element of fire in a horoscope which serves as the animating force behind an individual’s self-assertions.
Positive natural tendency
Helpful and kind
Simulates creative expression
Active life force
Ardent and strong
Courageous and self-assertive
Idealistic and visionary
Misuse or amplification of characteristic
Ruthless and self-imposing
Zealot or fanatic
Imposes own authority at all times
Destroys the efforts of others
Dissipates life force through sensual exercises
Self-indulgent and loud
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius:
We refer to the air element as the force of the Mind. People who are strongly influenced by the airy signs can be calm and refreshing as a cool breeze. But if their temper is raised, they react with galelike force, shattering the tranquility of the world around them. Air is necessary to convey the words which one person uses to speak to another. It is in its aspect as a communicating and collectivizing agent that air has its most important function in astrology. Through air, Man can reach for ideas in the intuitive mind, and apply them in the realm of human experience. Mind is man’s most important tool.
Positive natural tendency
Intelligent, quick, and alert
Objective and humane
Full of balanced ideas
Cooperative and gregarious
Inventive and inspirational
Misuse or embellishment of characteristic
Superficial and loquacious
Imitative and repetitious
Hyperactive, runabout, and nervous
Aloof and cool
Walks on thin air
The Mixing of Different Elements
Elements | Tendency
Fire and Earth
The elements can conflict. However, Earth can provide boundaries for Fire, and Fire can provide inspiration for Earth.
Fire and Air
These elements are basically compatible. Fire needs Air, but too much Air can cause a Fire to get out of control or blow Fire out.
Fire and Water
These elements are antithetical as Fire turns Water to steam and Water puts out Fire.
Fire and Fire
This combination can give all impulse but no direction. Too much fire can give too much self-expression without due consideration for other people’s feelings or ideas.
Earth and Air
Air tends to stimulate Earth. Earth must be fully oxygenated for fruit to grow. Air, however, cannot penetrate the true depths of Earth, and tends to give only a superficial contact.
Earth and Water
These two elements are very compatible, as earth needs water in order to be fertilized for growth of its fruits. The proportions are important. Too much water results in mud, and too much Earth will completely absorb the Water, giving it no life of its own. On the other hand, too little water will result in a desert, i.e., a dry and unfeeling individual.
Earth and Earth
This is not the best combination, for it does not supply the stimulus which the earth needs in order to manifest its latent fruitfulness and creativity. Too much Earth in any one horoscope will cause too much suspicion, inertia, and materialism.
Air and Water
Air can only touch the surface of the sea. Yet Water must be filled with the gaseous properties of Air in order for it to remain fresh. Water can feel unfulfilled by Air’s lack of understanding of its emotional nature. The two elements do manage to balance each other and are necessary to each other’s primary function. In human nature, the intellect of air will service to modify the oversensitivity of water while the latter will tend to broaden the sympathies of the more intellectual air signs.
Air and Air
Too much activity with too little direction can be the result of an abundance of Air. Without the stability of Earth or the emotionality of Water, this combination can turn into a whirlpool of ideas without a practical release into the realm of human experience.
Water and Water
Although this combination may give added depth and increased sensitivity, the likelihood of cross-currents is very prevalent. Feelings can be easily hurt, indolence can alternate with whirlpools f stirred-up emotions. In short, too much water leads to instability and a lack of cohesive and realistic focus on affairs of living.